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The design and placement of windows and doors on a home has a significant impact on both the exterior and interior aesthetics. The shape of the opening is typically dependent on the architectural style of the home and how the door or window functions. Materials used to frame door and window openings also play a key role in design, function and energy efficiency. Door and window styles should be consistent with the architectural style of the home.

Door Types

The design of a door opening will depend on the type of door being installed and how it functions. In addition to interior and exterior doors, doors can be distinguished by their style or how they open and close, such as sliding doors, French doors, swinging doors and folding doors. Lift-and-slide doors have panels that can either recess into a wall pocket or stack in various configurations, and are typically used to open up the home’s interior to the outside world. The wall of glass created by lift-and-slide doors can be opened for wide, panoramic views, an abundance of fresh air and a smooth transition from the home’s interior to beautifully-landscaped yards, patios or courtyards.

Exterior Entrance Doors

The exterior entrance door to your home is the showcase opening that sets the tone for the rest of the home’s architectural design features for windows and doors. The front entrance welcomes guests into your home and helps create the overall curb appeal. Entrance doors are typically made from steel, fiberglass or wood, and can contain decorative glass insets called lites. Door openings are either rectangular or arched. Sidelights and transoms are decorative glass panels that frame the opening, located on either or both sides of, and above, the door. The transom panel above the door can have three distinct shapes, including an arch, ellipse or box.

Window Types

Window openings are also dependent on the type of window being installed and how it functions. Various window types include casement, single-hung, double-hung, bay, bow, transom, hopper, awning, jalousie, picture, Paladian, arched, sliding and clerestory. In the past, multi-paned windows were made up of individual glass panes separated by wood muntins. Today, you can get the look of a multi-paned window with decorative grids or grilles that are permanently bonded to the inside and outside of large glass panes for a much more energy efficient design. Window styles can be used to help determine a home’s architectural style and sometimes even its age. Arched door and window shapes are commonly seen in traditional architectural styles, especially those with European influences. Large, rectangular windows topped with smaller clerestory windows are typical of more modern styles.

Moulding and Trim

An important finishing touch used on door and window openings is decorative moulding and trim. Door and window trim, also known as casing or case molding, is used on both the interior and exterior of the opening and covers up any gaps between the frame and the wall. Decorative moulding can be made from wood, MDF (medium-density fiberboard) or polyurethane. Moulding styles are often identified by the profile or the shape when viewed from the side. Corner blocks with decorative designs, such as rosettes, are commonly used in corners around doors and windows. Distinctive molding is used in different architectural styles such as traditional, Arts-and-Crafts, Victorian, country and modern.

Choosing Door and Window Types and Styles

The architectural style of your home will be the most important factor when choosing door and window styles. Browsing through online photo galleries of homes with the same architectural style as your home can provide inspiration for different styles to use as replacements or when remodeling. You will also find that distinctive door and window styles can be modified to function in different ways to better suit your needs. For example, the sash on a traditional casement window can be designed to swing inward like a door or tilt inward at the top, depending on how far the handle is turned. Remember to choose casings that will complement and enhance the architectural style of your doors and windows, providing a refined finish for your home.

About the Author

Michelle Radcliff owned a retail home furnishings business for eight years. Radcliff offers decorating advice on her blog, Home Decorating News, is a regular contributor on interior design at LoveToKnow.com and earned certification as an interior decorator from Penn Foster College in 2013.